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Erubiel Durazo, as I’ve mentioned previously, has been playing very well in Mexico. So well, in fact, that he’ll be crossing the border to Arizona come March, and vying for a spot in Oakland’s spring training lineup.

Playing for the Naranjeros de Hermosillo, Durazo hit .344 with 18 home runs and 56 RBIs in 63 games.

Of course, don’t expect that to translate to an MLB season of 40+ homers and a .340+ average.

It’s certainly possible that Durazo has regained his stroke after his Tommy John surgery more than a year ago. He could return to the 2004 Durazo that seemed to validate Billy Beane dubbing him his “Holy Grail”. That season, Durazo put up a line of .321/.396/.523 with 22 home runs and 35 doubles.

I’d be happy to see Durazo get near .280/.370/.490 with 18 home runs and 25 doubles; production he is certainly capable of.

It should be noted that Mike Piazza, the shiny new…unknown quantity…interesting reclamation project… um… “new designated hitter” that the A’s signed is projected to put up the following line: .267/.344/.467, 16 HR, 15 doubles.

Piazza may have to earn his playing time. Assuming Durazo is back, which remains to be seen.

An emerging storyline to follow through spring training will definitely be the 1B/DH battle between Dan Johnson, Erubiel Durazo and Mike Piazza. All have shown the ability to hit .320 with 20+ home runs, but they also have all shown the ability to hit .250 with 10 home runs…

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